We Need Peace And Harmony

Ann R. Swanson

There is a song that we sing at church that really touches my heart. I believe the copyright was first assigned in 1953. Another time of unrest in the world. It was renewed in 1983. The song is “Let There Be Peace on Earth.

At this point in history we all need to be seeking peace in our own lives as well as peace in the world. It seems the world is so filled with hatred. Everyone is out for themselves.

The words go like this.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;

Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God our creator children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Read those words again. Peace can begin with one person at a time. If each of us puts others ahead of themselves we can achieve a harmony that can last. I remember when the song read “brothers all are we.” For political correctness, they changed it. I almost think that version was more meaningful because it reminded all of us that we are brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Life is too short to harbor hatred toward our fellow man. We need to find the common thread that unites us and put back together that bond that allows us to be friends and be at peace with each other.

Nations war against each other. That has been going on as long as time. Our government needs to work with other governments to become a peaceful nation. That is hard when there is someone like the leader of Korea, but the solution is there if talks can continue.

Then, there is Israel. The people of this country need to be able to choose to live the way they want. The Middle East is a hot spot of activity at this point. That is what the Bible tells us is going to happen. Read and listen if we are to continue to exist.

First there was the Cold War. When the Berlin Wall came down it was a piece of history. I was teaching sixth grade at the time. We were using “USA Today” in our reading class. The students were all confused about what was happening in history. I went back and taught them about the World War when the wall was built dividing the east from the west in Germany. Then it began to make sense to my students.

It really does pay to know a lot about history. History explains many of the problems that are occurring today. I always wanted to teach history, but that was not to be. I ended up teaching elementary school where I was allowed to teach Social Studies. One of the aides in my classroom told me that when I taught my social studies class she learned a lot. I suppose she never paid much attention to history when she was going through school.

My wish for the world is that we would find a way to coexist with other countries, with people of other religious persuasions, and with people who differ from the norm as we know it.

Understanding goes a long way toward bringing peace. We need to be tolerant — not to the point where we give up our beliefs however. There is truly room for freedom of religion. That is what the American Revolution was about.

The government that was created following the war guaranteed certain rights to all. We must not let our Constitution to be changed so that we lose those rights. Our forefathers were insightful when they crafted that document. They put safeguards within the government. Those safeguards must remain if our country is to function as it was meant to.

As we begin another year take the song to heart. Think thoughts of peace. Peace even extends to the family. With the help of God peace can be within each of us. Let the peace that passeth all understanding be with you. Shalom! May we have peace.

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.”